Signs new four-year deal with Barcelona

Mascherano extends contract

BARCELONA — Javier Mascherano signed an extension of his contract with Barcelona yesterday to committ his future with the club until 2018 with a release clause of 100 million euros.

“I’m really happy to be in this great club and be part of a squad with such great players. Let’s hope things go really well for us this season. We’re looking forward to this season after some difficult times last campaign.”

Mascherano, 30, has impressed at Camp Nou since signing from Liverpool in 2010, and starred as Argentina reached the final of the World Cup.

In Barça, he has won eight titles, including two Spanish La Liga, the UEFA Champions League and the King’s Cup.

“I’m committed to this club until the final day of the contract,” he told the club’s official website. “I hope I can live up to expectations of the club.”

Mascherano, who started his career in River Plate, will continue at the same club of Lionel Messi, who started the new season with two goals last weekend.